Methodology for determining six components of loads arising during the operation of tillage tools in soil using a strain gauge plate transducer

Abstract This paper presents issues of shaping design features of load transducers allowing for identification of all six components of loads generated during operation of agricultural tools in soil. Particular attention was paid to the problem of the influence of the tool stiffness on the values measured by the transducer. Guidelines were presented on how to shape the form of this type of transducers in order to maximise their sensitivity to external forces and, at the same time, to minimise the impact of tool stiffness. The presented methods will enable the construction of measuring devices that are universal and can be used in variety of applications. An original method of determining the load values based on the measurement of stresses using the strain gauge technique and appropriate processing of the collected data is also described. Attention was also paid to the process of determining the load capacity of the transducer. These works were carried out on the basis of strength analyses using the Finite Element Method. The article also presents the procedure of the transducer calibration process and a description of a specialised test stand that is to be constructed as a part of the current project. The solutions presented in this paper are being used at the Poznan University of Technology for development and construction of a test stand in the form of a soil bin.